It says much of the fishbowl life of our leading cricketers that so much is being made of Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell going out for a few drinks after New Zealand's one-day loss to South Africa in Napier.
Drinking alcohol while undergoing rehabilitation for injuries breached team protocol and was enough to result in the pair being suspended for today's clash with the Proteas at Eden Park. This minor indiscretion by a couple carrying minor injuries was also the cue for a ridiculous public backlash.
Some perspective is required. Bracewell was in his hometown, and went out, as is surely his custom after Central Districts games there. As well as Ryder, he was accompanied by a provincial and New Zealand teammate, Tarun Nethula, who escaped sanction because he was not injured.
There is no suggestion that the trio were drunk or were annoying other bar patrons in any way. There was no code of conduct breach that required NZ Cricket's intervention. Indeed, the cricketers seem to have shown considerable restraint when men went out of their way to goad them.
Ryder will always attract controversy. His problems with alcohol are well documented. There may be more to come. For those with a drinking problem, the road back usually has potholes. He must work his way through this under intense public scrutiny and extremely strict team protocols.
